With the week of Shrine Bowl practices coming to a close and the game set for Tuesday, evaluations are beginning to crystallize for NFL scouts in attendance. Every practice has featured standout moments from a deep and talented group, making the process of narrowing things down anything but easy.
That said, these are the 10 players who have stood out the most throughout the week — guys who consistently flashed, won reps, and elevated their draft stock in a crowded field.
Eli Heidenreich: RB/WR, Navy
Heidenreich has been one of the toughest covers at the entire event. Whether aligned in the slot against corners or working out of the backfield versus linebackers, he’s been a nightmare matchup all week. He’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife, no pun intended, and that versatility is nothing new for anyone who watched him at Navy.
His production backs it up. Heidenreich earned an 80.5 PFSN CFB RB Impact Grade (42nd nationally), led all running backs in receiving yards (805), and finished second in receiving touchdowns (4). That skill set has translated seamlessly into Shrine Bowl practices, where his route running, hands, and football IQ have consistently stood out.
Kaden Wetjen: WR, Iowa
Defensive backs have had their hands full with Wetjen all week. If DBs don’t get a clean jam early, the rep usually ends with Wetjen creating separation. He’s consistently won routes at every level with sharp breaks and sudden acceleration.
Though undersized at 5’9”, 190 pounds, his speed and burst are undeniable. A two-time Jet Award winner as the nation’s top returner, Wetjen has proven in Shrine Bowl practices that he’s much more than just a special teams ace; he’s a legitimate receiving threat.
Mark Gronowski: QB, Iowa
Gronowski has been the clear standout quarterback of the week. He’s been head and shoulders above the rest of the QB group, showing poise, command, and consistency in every session.
One of his most impressive days included a reported 20-of-23 passing performance with five touchdowns and no interceptions — near-flawless execution. Scouts have taken notice, especially given his underwhelming one-year stint at Iowa, where he posted a 78.3 PFSN CFB QB Impact Grade with eight passing touchdowns and six interceptions. At the Shrine Bowl, Gronowski has checked every box: touch, accuracy, arm strength, and an aggressive mindset.
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Cole Wisniewski: S, Texas Tech
Wisniewski has arguably been the best defender on the field all week. He’s shown physicality stepping into the box, strong pursuit against the run, and elite coverage skills in both team drills and one-on-ones.
Against tight ends, he’s been particularly dominant, blanketing receivers and eliminating throwing windows. His performance shouldn’t come as a surprise. Wisniewski recorded eight interceptions last season at NDSU before transferring to Texas Tech. At 6’4”, 220 pounds, he was a major reason Texas Tech fielded the second-highest graded defense in the country according to PFSN’s CFB Defensive Impact Metric.
Nolan Rucci: OT, Penn State
Rucci brings elite size at 6’8”, 310–315 pounds, paired with impressive foot quickness for a player of his frame. He’s shown throughout the week that he can handle duties at either tackle spot at the next level.
A former five-star recruit, Rucci flew under the radar during a disappointing season for Penn State, but the tape tells a different story; he allowed just one sack all season. His Shrine Bowl performance has reminded scouts why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school.
Taurean York: LB, Texas A&M
York may be undersized at 5’10”, 232 pounds, but he plays with zero hesitation and all the physicality you’d want from a linebacker. He’s been delivering big hits all week, and running backs have had little success trying to block him in one-on-one drills.
A highly productive player with 229 tackles over three seasons and experience as a team captain, York brings leadership and toughness. While his coverage ability and size against bigger tight ends remain questions, his instincts and physicality make him a compelling prospect.
Aamil Wagner: OT, Notre Dame
At 6’5” and around 305 pounds, Wagner has the size to stay at tackle and the movement skills to thrive there. Any concerns about play strength vanished quickly. He’s been pancaking defenders all week and consistently holding up against bendy edge rushers.
Notre Dame has a long track record of producing NFL offensive linemen, and Wagner looks like the next name on that list. His balance, footwork, and competitive edge have been standout traits during the week.
Eric Gentry: LB, USC
Gentry may have won the week before practices even started. Measuring in at 6’6”, 220 pounds with 35 1/4” arms, his length is borderline alien-like. That alone turns heads.
On the field, he’s backed it up. Gentry has looked comfortable as a do-it-all linebacker, though a future transition to edge defender feels increasingly likely. He posted an 80.6 PFSN CFB LB Impact Grade this season, ranking 32nd nationally, and his upside is massive given how much room he still has to grow.
Brent Austin: CB, Cal
Austin has been rock-solid in coverage all week. He’s shown excellent route recognition, smooth hip transitions, and quick feet, allowing him to stay connected through every phase of the route.
While full-contact tackling hasn’t been emphasized, Austin’s pursuit angles and willingness to get involved have stood out. He may be the most underrated defensive back both at the event and in the class. After all, he finished second nationally among all corners with 11 pass breakups in 2025.
Jaden Dugger: LB, Louisiana
Dugger has been one of the biggest eye-openers of the week. Listed as a linebacker, he measured in at 6’4”, 240 pounds with 35-inch arms — rare tools for the position.
He’s moved exceptionally well in coverage for his size, picking off passes during drills and holding his own against running backs in one-on-ones. Dugger has also played with consistent physicality, showing the versatility to project as an off-ball linebacker, edge rusher, or even hybrid roles depending on the scheme. That flexibility has only boosted his draft stock.
